Where to Watch Inter Miami vs. PSG: Match Preview, Messi’s Return & Key PSG Moments

Inter Miami stands as the sole MLS representative in the Club World Cup`s round of 16. After exceeding expectations in the group stage, they face a significant challenge against Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi`s former club.

Messi departed the French champions in 2023, concluding a two-year tenure often characterized more by reported friction and perceived underachievement than success. While he secured two Ligue 1 titles and the Trophee des Champions, the inability to win the UEFA Champions League during the era of Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe remains a defining point of that period, especially when contrasted with his triumphant World Cup victory with Argentina over Mbappe`s France just months before his PSG exit.

The upcoming Sunday match in Atlanta serves as a poignant reminder of Messi`s time in Paris. This round of 16 encounter is notably unique: Inter Miami, likely the only non-European or South American side at this stage, enters as the clear underdog against PSG, who recently clinched their first-ever Champions League title. The narrative surrounding Messi facing his former club, now managed by his ex-Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, is set to dominate discussions leading up to the game and could well become a defining moment of the round.

How to Watch Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami, Odds

• Date: Sunday, June 29 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
• TV: TNT | Live stream: Available via platforms carrying TNT
• Odds: Paris Saint-Germain -600; Draw +600; Inter Miami +1200

Here`s a look back at the major moments in Messi`s time at PSG.

August 10, 2021: Messi Joins PSG

Following a tearful departure from Barcelona due to financial constraints, Messi officially signed with Paris Saint-Germain. In the club`s announcement, he stated PSG “matches my football ambitions.” This transfer, facilitated by PSG`s financial power post-2011 QSI takeover, instantly positioned the Mauricio Pochettino-led side as major Champions League contenders, boasting a formidable attack alongside Neymar and Mbappe.

September 28, 2021: Messi`s First Champions League Goal

As PSG built a significant lead in Ligue 1, they secured their first Champions League win of the season against Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City. Messi scored his inaugural goal for PSG in the competition that day in spectacular fashion. In the 70th minute, receiving the ball near the halfway line from Marco Veratti, Messi drove towards the City box, played a one-two with Mbappe at the edge of the area, and unleashed a powerful shot into the net.

March 9, 2022: Champions League Exit vs. Real Madrid

Facing another familiar adversary, Real Madrid, in the round of 16, Messi`s PSG were ultimately defeated. Despite Messi missing a penalty in the first leg, PSG held a 1-0 lead from Mbappe`s late goal at home and extended their advantage with another Mbappe goal in Madrid. However, Karim Benzema`s rapid 17-minute hat-trick in the second half overturned the tie, resulting in an earlier-than-expected Champions League exit for the star-filled PSG squad.

March 8, 2023: Bayern Munich Eliminates PSG from Champions League

Almost exactly one year after their defeat to Real Madrid, PSG faced a similar fate, crashing out of the Champions League round of 16 again, this time decisively against Bayern Munich. Under manager Christophe Galtier, PSG lost 3-0 on aggregate over the two legs. Their two seasons with Messi marked the only times since their 2020 final appearance and before their eventual win this year that PSG failed to reach the Champions League semifinals.

April 8, 2023: Breaks European Club Scoring Record

Though Messi later described his experience at PSG as “difficult,” his time wasn`t without significant milestones. In a match against Nice in spring 2023, Messi became the leading goalscorer in European club football, netting his 702nd goal at that level and surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo. He also recorded his 1,000th career goal contribution at the club level during PSG`s 2-0 victory.

June 3, 2023: Final Match for PSG

Two days after coach Galtier confirmed his impending departure, Messi played his last game for PSG at the Parc des Princes. The match against Clermont was notable but not positive for PSG; some fans booed Messi, and the team lost 3-2 despite Kylian Mbappe scoring twice early on.